Decision makers

Give Kawasaki Disease patients the support they so badly need

Kawasaki Disease is an acute childhood illness which primarily affects children under the age of five, although older children can be affected. It's a serious inflammatory disease which can affect all parts of the body, but the coronary arteries, which supply a child's heart with blood, appear to be specifically affected.

Kawasaki Disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in the UK. Despite this, treatment, diagnosis and even understanding of the illness vary from region to region and even hospital to hospital, leading to a huge disparity between the treatment of one child and the next.

In light of recent research findings, we at the Kawasaki Support Group believe that the time is right to push for a concerted effort to tackle the current inconsistencies in Kawasaki treatment in the UK.

We ask the Clinical Reference Group to consider an agreed national protocol for diagnosis, treatment and long-term care throughout the UK.

We ask for more long-term clinics to be established nationally, to provide vital support and understanding for families beyond the acute stage of the illness and throughout the recovery.

We also ask for long-term adult clinics for Kawasaki patients who have reached the age of 18 and older, to build our understanding of the long-term effects of this illness and to support them as they enter into adulthood.

You learn more about Kawasaki Disease and the work of the Support Group by visiting our website. For over 20 years the Support Group has been run by two dedicated mums - now we're asking for your help.

With your support we can convince the Clinical Reference Group that there is a real and pressing need to establish a clear national protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, to ensure that all children and families can received the same care and support.

With your help we can push for further efforts to support Kawasaki patients as they recover from the illness and continue through their lives, ending the confusion and fear of families with little continuing support.

With your signature, we can ensure that every Kawasaki child is given the same chance at recovery and the support and care they and their families so desperately need. Thank you.